Life and Works of Rizal P1 Reviewer

Life and Background of Rizal

• Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal y Alonzo Realonda, of Chinese-Filipino-Mestizo ethnicity, was the 7th of 11 siblings.
• Rizal's birth occurred on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, nearly jeopardizing his mother's health.

Republic Act 1425 (Rizal Law)

• Enacted to promote the study of Rizal’s life, works, and writings among students.
• Initiated by Claro Mayo Recto as Senate Bill 438, became law on June 12, 1956.
• Aims to foster patriotism and nationalism among youth during a politically charged era in the 1950s.
• Provides historical insights to prevent the repetition of past mistakes related to colonial rule.

19th Century Philippines

• Spanish colonial governance marked by corruption, ineffective administration, and discrimination against Filipinos.
• Friars held substantial power, exacerbating oppression of Filipinos.
• Social structure featured a sharply stratified society dominated by colonial elites.
• The Suez Canal significantly reduced trade travel time to 30 days, facilitating Filipino elites' education in Europe.
• Economic growth driven by European industrial demands for cash crops like abaca.

Socio-Cultural Context and Nationalism

• Rizal and other educated Filipinos pursued studies in Europe to seek intellectual stimulation and reforms.
• Influenced by European ideals, educated Filipinos advocated for social change and national pride.
• The rigid class structure led to agrarian unrest as farmers faced exploitation from landowners and friars.

Birth of a Hero

• Rizal's ancestry comprised various ethnic influences, including Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, and Filipino.
• Recognized early artistic talent and intellectual abilities, encouraged by familial support and education.
• Teodora Alonso Realonda, Rizal's mother, was his first teacher, employing hands-on learning methods.
• Experienced strict educational discipline, including corporal punishment, under various tutors, notably Maestro Justiniano Cruz.

Education at Ateneo Municipal (1877-1882)

• Rizal composed "Sa Aking Mga Kabata," highlighting his love for the Filipino language and heritage.
• His educational journey reflected his exceptional artistic talents and unwavering pursuit of knowledge, foreshadowing future contributions to Philippine society.